Garment fastener



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 23, 1963 FIG.

FIGS

INVENTOR. Percy Goldman @mw ATTORNEY Nov. 2, 1965 P. GOLDMAN 3,214,813

GARMENT FASTENER Filed Dec. 25, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 33 INVENTOR,

Percy Goldman United States Patent Ofiice 3,214,813 GARMENT FASTENER Percy Goldman, 411 E. 57th St, New York, NIY. Filed Dec. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 332,402 Claims. (Cl. 24-137) This invention relates in general to the garment fastener art, and more specifically to a fastener for securing a garment draped over the cross bar of a clothes hanger or the like.

Clothes hangers of the type on which suits and other garments are hanged comprise generally opposing shoulder portions interconnected by a cross bar. Usually the pants, trousers, skirt, or a suit are hanged from the cross bar portion of the hanger with the coat or jacket draped over the shoulder portion of the hanger. The trousers or pants hanged on the cross bar of such hanger are usually draped in a folded fashion thereover. A difficulty noted in hanging such garments onto a clothes hanger was that in handling, the folded garment would oftentimes slip or slide off the cross bar of the hanger. When this occurred, the garment was likely to become soiled or excessively wrinkled. Therefore, to avoid slippage or unintentional removal of the garment so draped over the cross bar of the hanger, an omega shaped fastener was oftentimes used to positively secure the garment draped over the hanger cross bar. Heretofore, the omega type fasteners were constructed so that the end portion thereof had to be spread apart to fit the same to the cross bar of the hanger for pinning the garment thereto. Oftentimes, the user in his haste would over stress the fastener by spreading the ends thereof an excessive amount. When this occurred, the fastener would fracture or break, as such fasteners are usually formed of a semi-resilient brittle plastic material. Therefore, since degree of flexibility of such fasteners is limited, the known fastener constructions were subjected to a high degree of breakage.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved omega type fastener formed of a semi-resilient material whereby the degree of the flexibility of the fastener is positively limited before the breaking strain of the fast ener is reached.

Another object of this invention is to provide an omega type fastener constructed in a manner in which the strength of the fastener is enhanced without adversely affecting its flexibility.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved omega type fastener which is relatively simple in construction, can be easily fabricated, and is positive in operation.

The above objects and other features and advantages are attained in accordance with this invention by providing an omega type fastener having an upper rounded portion terminating in outwardly diverging end portions to define a restricted opening intermediate the ends thereof with integrally formed reinforcing ribs. The ribs are disposed on the upper rounded portion and have adjacent end portions which are spaced to either side of the central axis of the fastener. Means are provided on the spaced, adjacent ends of the ribs to define abutments or stops which positively limit the spread of flexibility of the fastener before the breaking stress of the fastener is attained. In operation, the arrangement is such that whenever the ends of the fastener are spread to place the same in operation, the ends or the abutments on adjacent ends of the ribs are brought into abutting engagement with respect to each other and thereby function as a stop to positively limit any further spreading or flexing of the omega shaped fastener. The arrangement is such that the rib stops are rendered operative whenever the 3,214,813 Patented Nov. 2, 1965 ends of the omega fastener are spread a distance suflicient to permit the restricted opening thereof to be spread an amount to allow the same to receive the cross bar of the hanger and the garment draped thereover.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of an improved omega type fastener having ribs specifically constructed and arranged to function both as a means for reinforcing the fastener and also as a positive stop or limit to prevent overilexing or overstressing the omega shaped fastener.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision that the omega shaped fastener can be formed as a unitary or integral member of semi-resilient or elastic material.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specifications in which,

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a hanger having a garment draped thereover and secured by means of an omega fastener constructed in accordance with the instant invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of the fastener shown in its normal position.

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but illustrating the fastener in its maximum spread position.

FIGURE 4 is a planview of the fastener as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGURE 5 is a slightly modified form of the invention of the fasteners shown in FIGURES l to 4.

FIGURE 6 is a side view of a modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 7 is another modified form.

FIGURE 8 is atop view of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a particular application, of the invention forms of FIGURES 6 to 8.

Referring to the drawings there is shown in FIG. 1 a conventional clothes hanger 1t) having opposed sloping shoulder portions 11 interconnected by a cross bar 12. Connected to the peak of the sloping shoulder portions 11 is a conventional hanger hook 13 by which the hanger 10 may be supported from a suitable support. Draped over the crossbar 12 of the hanger is a garment, as for example, a pair of slacks 14 or the like. In order to prevent accidental slippage or unintentional removal of the slacks or garment 14 therefrom, a means in the form of an omega type fastener or clip 15 is utilized.

In accordance with this invention, the fastener or clip 15 comprises an omega shaped member, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It comprises of a substantially circular or C shaped upper portion 15A in which the opposed end portions 153 are outwardly bent. Thus, the arrangement is such that a restricted opening 16 is defined intermediate the ends of the omega shaped member. Generally, the Width of the opening is normally less than the diameter of the hanger cross bar. Therefore, in order to secure the omega shaped fastener 15 to the hanger, as shown in FIG. 1, it is necessary to spread the ends 15B of the fastener an amount sufficient to permit the opening 16 to be expanded so that the cross bar 12 together with the thickness of the garment 14 draped thereover may be received within the rounded portion 15A of the fastener. Consequently, the fastener 15 must be made of a semi-resilient material having sufiicient elasticity to permit the opening 16 to resume its normal restriction 16 after it has been spread so that the garment 14 may be securely pinned or fastened to the cross bar 12 of the hanger.

In order to avoid excessive flexing of the omega shaped fastener 15 and thereby avert overstraining or stressing of the fastener to prevent its fracturing or breaking, means are provided to positively limit the amount or degree of such flexing.

In accordance with this invention, the latter means comprises a pair of opposed reinforcing ribs 17, 18 which extend about a circumferential portion of the upper part or portion 15A of the omega fastener. As shown, each rib 17, 18 extends to either side of the vertical central axis of the fastener and traverses substantially the respective upper quadrants of the circular portion 15A of the omega shape. As best seen in FIGS. 2, and 4, the ends 17A, 18A of the adjacent ribs terminating at the top of the omega fastener are spaced from one another, each end being disposed on opposite sides of the central axis thereof. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a nib or projection 17B, 18B may be provided to extend outwardly from the respective end portions of the rib. The arrangement is such that the outer ends of ribs 17B, 188 in the normal position of the fastener are spaced from one another. In actual practice, this spacing may be in the order of A when the fastener is constructed for use on a conventional hanger. However, it will be understood that the spacing between ribs 17B, 1813 can be varied dependent upon the size and use to which the given fastener is to be applied.

Also, it is to be noted that the rib, 17, 18 gradually increases in height as it approaches the upper or top of the circular portion 15A of the fastener. Thus, it is to be noted that the reinforcing ribs 17, 18 progressively increase in height in accordance with the amount of stress placed thereon when the fastener is flexed to place the same in operation.

Referring to FIG. 3, to apply the fastener, the ends 15B of the omega fastener are spread apart to increase the width of the restricted opening 16 to permit easy passage of the omega fastener over the garment and the cross bar. In accordance with this invention, when the ends 15B of the omega shaped fastener are spread an amount sufficient to permit application of the fastener to a hanger and a garment draped thereon, as seen in FIG. 3, the adjacent ends 17A, 18A of the ribs are displaced so that the ribs 17B, 1813 or ends are brought into abutting relationship. When this occurs, a positive stop occurs to prohibit further flexing of the omega fastener 15. It will be understood that the spacing between the abutting ends 17B, 18B of the ribs is such that when the maximum spread of ends 15B is achieved, the restricted opening 16 is sufficiently large so as to permit easy application of the fastener to the cross bar 12 of the hanger and the article draped thereover.

FIGURE illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this form, the fastener 25 is identical in structure and operation as herein described with reference to that of FIGS. 1 to 4 with the exception that an apertured lug 26 is provided on side thereof. Accordingly, the aperture lug provides a means whereby a sales tag or the like 27, may be suitably secured as shown.

With the specific construction herein described, it will be readily apparent that it would be virtually impossible to extend the spread of the ends B of the fastener 15 beyond the limits permitted by the positive stopping means. Therefore, overstressing of the fastener is not likely to occur without a conscious effort. As a result the high degree of breakage heretofore common, is greatly minimized. Because of the instant invention, the useful life of the fastener 15 is greatly extended.

In another form of the invention the inventive concept may be enlarged to maintain other articles of clothing in a folded state, e.g., shirts, blouses, dresses and the like. Heretofore, ordinary straight pins were employed for maintaining such articles folded. However, such pins are not entirely satisfactory as they require the garment to be punctured, thereby leaving pin holes in the garment where the pins are removed. Oftentimes a pin may be overlooked, and the wearer is thereby injured. Again in the laundering of such articles, the launderer heretofore merely returns the laundered articles in its folded state with no means for maintaining the same folded.

As a result, in handling, the laundered garment oftentimes became unraveled and thus wrinkles or soils. When this occurred the neatness of the newly laundered article was greatly diminished.

FIGURE 6 illustrates a fastener 30 suitable for maintaining a garment, e.g., 40 folded. As shown in FIG. 6, the fastener 30 comprises essentially a hairpin shaped member or clips formed of a suitable resilient material, e.g., plastic or metal and the like in which the return bend portion 31 is provided with a radius sufficiently large so that the leg portions 32, 33 are required to converge toward one another. The arrangement is such that the outer sides of the respective legs are smooth or straight. The adjacent inner side of the respective leg portions 32, 33 are provided with complementary undulation or serrations, 32A, 33A, as shown. The purpose of the serration or undulations are to provide a positive holding force when the fastener 30 is applied to the fold of a garment 40 as noted in FIG. 9, wherein the fastener 30 is employed to maintain the sleeve or cuff 41 of a shirt folded in the position shown.

In order to prevent the legs 32, 33 of the clip 30 from spreading an excessive amount thereby causing the fasteners 30 to loosen, means are provided to limit or prohibit the spread of the leg portions 32, 33 to the extent that the fasteners will become separated from the folded garment. The latter means comprise a crown or rib 34, 35 disposed on either side of the longitudinal center line of the fastener 30 at the bend thereof. The adjacent ends of the crown or rib are each provided with protruding portions 34A, 35A, which in the normal inoperative positions of the clip 30 as shown in FIG. 6 are slightly spaced in the order of .0030 of an inch. It will therefore be noted that the amount which the respective leg portions 32, 33 can be spread apart is positively limited by the ends 34A, 35B of the crown or ribs which will abut when maximum spread is attained. Thus the inherent resiliency of the material from which the fastener is formed, and the reaction of the abutting end tips 34A, 35A of the crown or ribs 34, 35 will form a positive hold for the folded portions of the garment as noted in FIG. 9.

Also leg portion 32 is made slightly longer than that of leg 33. This facilitates application of the fastener to the folded garment 40 in that the extended portion 32B provides a means by which one leg portion 32 may be used to assist in spreading the respective leg portions.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a further modification of the fastener of the type described and disclosed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In this form, the fastener 50 is identical in all respects to that of fastener 30 except that art apertured lug 51 is provided on one leg portion thereof to which a suitable tag 52 may be secured.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be readily understood and appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A fastener adapted to secure a garment draped over the cross bar of a clothes hanger comprising an omega shaped member formed of a resilient material, said member having an upper portion ending in outwardly bent end portions to define a restricted opening, opposed reinforcing ribs formed integral with said member, said ribs having a nib projecting from their respective adjacent end portions whereby said nibs are spaced from one another to either side of the central axis of said fastener to function as a stop to limit the degree of flexing of said omega shaped member and each of said ribs progressively increasing in height in the direction of stress when the fastener is flexed.

2. A fastener for use in securing a garment draped over the cross bar of a hanger to prohibit said garment from sliding off said bar comprising an omega shaped member having a substantially circular upper portion and outward- 1y bent end portion defining opposed leg portions that resiliently grip the garment to hold the same on the hanger angled toward said upper portion to define a restriction which is less than the diameter of said hanger cross bar, a pair of aligned ribs formed on the upper rounded portion of said member, each rib extending over the upper quadrant position of said member with the respective ribs extending to either side of the central axis of said member, said ribs have a progressively increased height in the direction of the stress when the fastener is flexed and said ribs having their respective adjacent end portion spaced to either side of said axis, a rounded nib projecting from the respective adjacent ends of said rib, said nibs being spaced from one another in the unflexed position of said member, and said nibs being adapted to abut one another to form a stop to limit the flexing of said member.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including means for attaching thereto a tag.

4. A fastener comprising a reversely bent member formed of a resilient material and having a return bend portion and integral formed leg portions, said return bend portion being formed with a radius sufficiently large so that the respective leg portions converge toward their respective outer end portions, one of said leg portions extending beyond the end of the other of said leg portions, each of said leg portions having complementary undulating portions formed on the inner side thereof, and a means for limiting the spread of said leg portions, said latter means including opposed rib portions formed integral with said return bend portion, said ribs having a nib projecting from their respective adjacent end portions, said nibs being slightly spaced from one another to function as a stop to limit the spread of said leg portion and each of said opposed ribs progressively increasing in height in the direction of stress when the fastener is flexed.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein an apertured lug is formed integral with one of said leg portions.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,002,001 5/35 Beard 24-255.1 2,622,760 12/52 Kissig 24252 3,119,163 1/ 64- Merfeld 24137 FOREIGN PATENTS 52,075 4/43 France. 68 8,260 3 /5 3 Great Britain. 165,200 1 1/5 8 Switzerland.

DONLEY I. STOCKING, Primary Examiner.

BOBBY R. GAY, Examiner. 

1. A FASTENER ADAPTED TO SECURE A GARMENT DRAPED OVER THE CROSS BAR OF A CLOTHES HANGER COMPRISING AN OMEGA SHAPED MEMBER FORMED OF A RESILIENT MATERIAL, SAID MEMBER HAVING AN UPPER PORTION ENDING IN OUTWARDLY BENT END PORTIONS TO DEFINE A RESTRICTED OPENING, OPPOSED REINFORCING RIBS FORMED INTEGRAL WITH SAID MEMBER, SAID RIBS HAVING A NIB PROJECTING FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE ADJACENT END PORTIONS WHEREBY SAID NIBS ARE SPACED FROM ONE ANOTHER TO EITHER SIDE OF THHE CENTRAL AXIS OF SAID FASTENER TO FUNCTION AS A STOP TO LIMIT THE DEGREE OF FLEXING OF SAID OMEGA SHAPED MEMBER AND EACH OF SAID RIBS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASING IN HEIGHT IN THE DIRECTION OF STRESS WHEN THE FASTENER IS FLEXED. 